Sindh’s Caretaker Minister for Law and Religious Affairs and Human Rights, Barrister Mohammad Omer Soomro, has said that most of the labour standards are already in conformity with the Quran and Sunnah that was revealed 1500 years ago. It is incumbent upon employers to safeguard the interest of workers and provide them with all required facilities, including a living wage so that a satisfied worker is keener to improve the working and profitability of an enterprise. As the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker, he was addressing the Award Distribution Ceremony of the EFP 17th Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment Awards for 2022.
Mr. Soomro, in his speech, gave detailed references from the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H.) that reflect the importance of a healthy relationship between an employer and a worker. He said “It is not just the wages, but also facilities like transportation, family care, and ensuring that the worker is paid as per the agreement and is not subject to harassment at the workplace. Moreover, he said that occupational safety and health are an integral part of an enterprise, and employers must ensure that the workers’ health and safety at the workplace is well protected. It is a good augury that many enlightened employers fully comply with all ILO International Labor Standards and this positively improves the image of Pakistan.”
Earlier, Mr. Malik Tahir Javaid, President Employers’ Federation of Pakistan in his welcome address, said that the Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment actually begins from home and that we the employers are fully cognizant of the importance of OSHE at the workplace. He added that EFP has always sensitized its member companies to fully comply with all International Labour Standards including elimination of Child Labour, Non-discrimination, non-violence, non-harassment at the workplace, and timely payment of wages and remuneration to workers.
Geir Tonstoel, ILO’s Country Director for Pakistan said that Occupational safety and health is a fundamental principle and right at work. He informed that ILO is pleased to acknowledge that the Government of Pakistan is actively pursuing the ratification of ILO’s core OSH Conventions, Number. 155 and Number 187 and that the ratification of these two Conventions would further demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to a safe and inclusive world of work.
Recognizing the private sector’s role, Geir Tonstoel further said that the private sector plays a significant role in fostering a culture of prevention, facilitating the sharing of best corporate practices, and establishing robust connections with national authorities responsible for labour issues, “Health and safety are crucial for the long-term sustainability of businesses”
Zahoor Awan, Leader of the Pakistan Workers Federation in his speech highlighted the fact that in the ILC in June 2023, the Conference adopted conventions 155 and 187 on OSH to further strengthen the importance of OSH which is through Conventions and are now for enterprises to comply with in the matter of the GSP plus of the European Union. He offered the full sport of PWF to EFP in all matters that are mutually beneficial to workers and employers.
Munazza Gillani, Country Director, Sightsavers stressed the importance of collective efforts in promoting health and safety, particularly for individuals with special needs. She emphasized the significance of accommodating unique requirements, hazard identification, and fostering a positive work environment to ensure equal opportunities and a secure workplace for all employees. Munazza Gillani’s insights shed light on the vital role of inclusivity in occupational health and safety.
Muhammad Feroz Alam, Vice President EFP, briefed about the award criteria and how it is considered to hold international standards in several areas of Health, Safety, and Environment. He also informed that a committee of six internationally recognized experts scrutinized all the entries and those companies that want to participate have to fully comply with the laid down criteria and standards. The Committee independently selected the winning companies on pure merit and is also available to respond to the queries of any contestants.
EFP Best Practices OSHE Award was given in the Oil & Gas Sectors to Mari Petroleum Company Limited, Cnergyis Pk Limited, and Pak-Arab Refinery Limited. In the Electricity and Power Sector to K-Electric, TNB Repair and Maintenance Sdn. Bhd, and Harbin Electric International O&M. in the Chemical and Petrochemical, Processing and Allied Sector to Engro Fertilizers Limited, Tri-pack Films Limited, Lotte Chemical Pakistan Ltd. In the Food and FMCG Sector to Coronet Foods (Pvt) Limited and English Biscuit Manufacturers (PVT) Ltd. In the Health and Pharmaceutical Sector to Martin Dow Limited, Getz Pharma (Pvt) Limited, and Astola Plant – Getz Pharma. In the Services Sector to Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and SGS Pakistan (Private) Limited. In the Textile, Leather, and Sports Sector to Forward Sports Pvt. Ltd. and Interloop Limited, and Artistic Milliners. In the Engineering, Automobile & Spare Parts/Components Sector to International Steels Limited, Atlas Battery Limited, and Thal Engineering. Recognition Shields were also given to 24 enterprises to recognize their efforts.
CAPTION
Malik Tahir Javaid, President Employers’ Federation of Pakistan, presenting crest to Sindh’s Caretaker Minister for Law and Religious Affairs, Barrister Mohammad Omer Soomro at the EFP 17th Occupational Safety, Health, Environment Awards ceremony. ILO Country Director Geir Tenstoel, Former President Majyd Aziz, VP Feroz Alam, Board of Directors members, Mian Akram Farid, Dr. Yousuf Sarwar, Humayun Nazir, and Athar Iqbal, Pakistan Workers Federation leader Zahoor Awan and CEO of Sightsavers Munazza Gillani are also seen in the picture.